With one eye on peace, Manmohan terms Pakistan an 'epicentre of terrorism'
Indian PM says the country is committed to resolving all issues with Pakistan.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at UNSC meeting. PHOTO: AFP
NEW YORK:
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday that he reciprocated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's sentiments on forging a new beginning but reiterated that the epicentre of terrorism was located in Pakistan.
Addressing the audience during the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations, Singh said that state sponsored cross border terrorism was of particular concern to India.
"It is important that the terrorist machinery that draws its sustenance from Pakistan be shut down," he said.
Asserting that he wanted all issues with Pakistan to be resolved, he claimed that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and that the country will never compromise on its territorial integrity.
"For progress to be made, it is imperative that the territory of Pakistan and the areas under its control are not utilised for aiding and abetting terrorism directed against India," Singh said, adding that he was looking forward to meeting with Sharif on Sunday.
Syria
Speaking about the use of chemical weapons in Syria, Singh said that there was no military solution to the predicament.
He said that a political settlement should be sought.
"It is essential that the Geneva-2 conference be convened at the earliest," he said.
United Nations
Amidst light applause, Singh said that the UN Security Council must be reformed and restructured to reflect current political realities.
He said that more developing nations should join as permanent and non-permanent members.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday that he reciprocated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's sentiments on forging a new beginning but reiterated that the epicentre of terrorism was located in Pakistan.
Addressing the audience during the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations, Singh said that state sponsored cross border terrorism was of particular concern to India.
"It is important that the terrorist machinery that draws its sustenance from Pakistan be shut down," he said.
Asserting that he wanted all issues with Pakistan to be resolved, he claimed that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and that the country will never compromise on its territorial integrity.
"For progress to be made, it is imperative that the territory of Pakistan and the areas under its control are not utilised for aiding and abetting terrorism directed against India," Singh said, adding that he was looking forward to meeting with Sharif on Sunday.
Syria
Speaking about the use of chemical weapons in Syria, Singh said that there was no military solution to the predicament.
He said that a political settlement should be sought.
"It is essential that the Geneva-2 conference be convened at the earliest," he said.
United Nations
Amidst light applause, Singh said that the UN Security Council must be reformed and restructured to reflect current political realities.
He said that more developing nations should join as permanent and non-permanent members.